Charles Marvin Vorpagel

It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, cousin, uncle and friend, Charles Marvin Vorpagel, who peacefully went to heaven surrounded by his family at home on September 24 at the age of 93. 

Charles was born on May 27, 1932, in Ferndale, Michigan, the son of Marvin and Dorothy (McGeachy) Vorpagel. He and his brother Garie Vorpagel grew up in Detroit, Michigan. At the age of six Charles contracted Polio and survived after a year of treatment. He was one of the lucky ones to have had very few side effects and lived a healthy productive life.  

A man of faith throughout his life, Charles was a devoted Christian whose walk with the Lord guided his steps and shaped his character. He was a member of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Detroit, Michigan until he moved to Petoskey, Michigan where he and his family joined Zion Lutheran Church. Charles served as an elder and was actively involved in establishing the Zion Preschool program.

All of Charles’ education was in the Detroit Public School system. He attended Greenfield Union Elementary School, Nolan Junior High School, Pershing High School, Highland Park Junior College, and Wayne State University.

On October 10, 1953, Charles married Sue, E.C. Rhude in Detroit, Michigan at Epiphany Lutheran Church. He shared many cherished years with his devoted wife, Sue, and their five children: Jeffrey Scott Vorpagel, Sheila Kae Nehrenz, Michael Charles Vorpagel, Kristine Lee Vorpagel, and Steven Matthew Vorpagel. They would have celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary this year on October 10.

From 1952 to 1956, Charles proudly served in the United States Coast Guard. He was stationed in both the Great Lakes and Alaska (prior to it becoming a state). During his service, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal, honors that reflected his commitment and dedication to duty. Sue joined Charlie while he was stationed in Juneau, Alaska and it was during this time that they welcomed their first child, Jeffrey, in 1955.

In 1957, Charles joined the Detroit Fire Department where he served for 32 years. He worked up the ranks and became a Fire Engine Operator (FEO), the position he held until his retirement in 1988. After retirement he was an active member of Bridge Area Retired Firefighters (B.A.R.F.). A group that still meets to this day.

Charles was always focused on making a better life for his family. In addition to serving with the Detroit Fire Department, Charlie was an entrepreneur with many business interests in both Detroit and Petoskey. He owned his own heating and cooling business, invested in residential and commercial real estate, and was a licensed builder for many years. He was also involved in buying and remodeling residential properties. He and Sue owned Village Mobile Homes, Sunshine Laundromat, Townhouse Apartments, and the Terrace Inn in Bayview, MI.

As a young man, Charles was very active in the Boy Scouts of America, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in 1949. He continued his involvement as an adult, volunteering as Cub Master, Scout Master and Commissioner, conducting Leadership Training and attending Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico with his family.

Charles loved family vacations, cruises, and creating hand crafted items.  His family vacations took place at campgrounds all over the United States in Michigan, Tennessee, Washington DC, and Philmont, New Mexico.  Sue and Charlie went on multiple cruises with good friends and family members. His artistic side showed in his stained-glass work and  detailed woodcarving.  He was an avid collector of toy soldiers and fire department memorabilia. His favorite spot became his home on Crooked Lake where sunrises and calm waters are the best!

Charles is survived by his wife Sue and five children – Jeffrey Vorpagel, Sheila Nehrenz, Michael Vorpagel, Kristine Vorpagel and Steven Vorpagel. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy and the time he spent with them was very special to him. He had 11 grandchildren (listed in birth order): Cherokee Roberts, Amy Nicholson, Matthew Nehrenz, Katie Henry, Andrew Nehrenz, Christene Vorpagel, Emily Anderson, Charles Vorpagel, Chancellor Vorpagel, Madaline Shields, and Griffin Shields. He was also blessed with 8 great-grandchildren: Dakota Nicholson, Daniel Nicholson, Jeffrey Cillie, Veronica Cillie, Emma Nicholson, Charles Henry, Maximus Henry, and Harper Henry.

Visitation for Charles will be held at Stone Funeral Home Friday, October 10, 5-8pm.

Funeral Services will be on Saturday October 11 at 11:00am at Zion Lutheran Church in Petoskey, Michigan. Visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Please join the family for a luncheon following the services.

Memorial donations may be made to:

Zion Lutheran Preschool

Little Traverse Bay Humane Society